Sedlak has been clerk for 16 years. Taylor is an administrative assistant with the township Fire Department.

They share the ballot with a five-way primary for four township trustee seats.

In every case, the primary will likely prove decisive. No Democrats have filed in any of the township's races. Supervisor Mark St. Charles and Treasurer Susan Daugherty, also Republicans, are running unopposed in the primary and general election.

The clerk is also a voting member of the township board and each candidate was asked to provide thoughts on the major issues facing the Green Oak residents.

For Sedlak, the main issue involves continuing to provide quality service while living within the township budget. Taylor calls public safety the biggest township issue.

Here is a look at both candidates:

MICHAEL SEDLAK

Professional background: Four terms, 16 years, as Green Oak Township clerk; 27 years service on the Green Oak Township Fire Department, the last 17 years as captain; 30 years in the automotive industry, 20 years as a test/quality engineer.

What do you see as the biggest issues Green Oak will face over the next four years, and what would you do about them as a township official? I see the biggest matter at hand as remaining within our fiscal constraints while providing our citizens the high level of service they are accustomed to.

The township board is committed to building a new police station and remodeling the main fire station. We are also committed to finishing the road projects our voters agreed to support and overcome the challenges of getting those roads completed. Another challenge we are facing is the ever-changing regulations the state legislators keep sending our way and the burden it puts on our finances in complying with them.

I will continue to successfully seek grants that will help ease the financial burden on our budgets. My involvement with organizations while clerk has helped bring over $4 million dollars in grants to this township. I will also continue to renegotiate service provider contracts reducing costs. The clerk’s office has been very successful in this area.

What qualities and experience do/will you bring to the board to make you a successful head of your department? I will bring extensive knowledge and experience as a certified municipal clerk and total professional commitment to the citizens of Green Oak Township. In my off hours, I will continue to serve my community helping to keep it safe by serving on our Fire Department. With four successful terms, my dedication and experience serves the community in all aspects of our departments that I am responsible for.

What I see as the important question facing our residents when they vote in August is how they want the township run. This board's record stands on its own, and the clerk’s office has contributed to that success due to excellent communication and joint efforts in the many things that have been accomplished such as the road system rebuilding.

What do you see as the biggest issues Green Oak will face over the next four years, and what would you do about them as a township official? Security and safety of our citizens and residents — with U.S. 23/I-96 corridors, we have seen over the past 16 years an increase in a variety of crime and drug abuse due to the ease of access through the community. I would focus on listening to and working with the Green Oak police and fire departments and other emergency service agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.

What qualities and experience do/will you bring to the board to make you a successful head of your department? I have achieved a high level of organizational and team-building skills and have developed them over the past three decades by working in administrative positions for a variety of leading employers. I possess a degree in business and record 18 years of familiarity as an employee within the Green Oak Charter Township. My additional qualities are a strong work ethic, passion and understanding for serving the residents, as well as a plan to transform the clerk’s position into an effective and efficient role in executing the satisfaction of the township residents as a priority.